A quintessential start seems like it’s becoming the key to winning between the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights. In both game, the team that scores first typically earns the favorable outcome. Winnipeg scored three first period goals in Game 1, while the Golden Knights responded with two goals to open up Game 2. Now, both teams head toward Las Vegas for Game 3 of the best-of-seven series.

Winnipeg’s game plan going into T-Mobile Arena is to make the crowd as much of a non-factor as possible. It’s an achievement not many teams have been able to accomplish. The Vegas faithful were most likely waiting with anticipation outside the arena hours before puck-drop. Much like Winnipeg and those in its “Whiteout Street Party,” Vegas’ crowd can be deafening and a bit brash, but that’s what makes the environment so difficult to play in.

“A good start is really important in here,” Blake Wheeler told reporters on Wednesday. “The first goal’s not going to necessarily make or break us tonight, but you’d like to get off to a good start, you’d like to establish our game, play on our terms. When we do that, the crowd typically becomes less of a factor. Those things start to play into our hands a little bit more as the game goes on.

“The game’s not over if they end up scoring first but we want to get off to a good start.”

Wheeler and Mark Scheifele share the team lead with 18 points. Wheeler’s line proved difficult to be contained in Game 1’s 4-2 win, where Wheeler scored three points. Vegas answered by shutting down the line in Game 2. Marc-Andre Fleury made 30 saves in the effort, improving his postseason record to 9-2-1. It’s looking more and more likely Fluery will snag the Conn Smythe Trophy if the Golden Knights were to advance.

Sporting News will provide updates throughout Game 3 (All Times Eastern).

Second Period

10:13 — Two Golden Knights’ surround Hellebuyck behind the net. The Jets goaltender hesitates on which direction to fire the puck. He ultimately evades trouble and wins the standoff!

10:08 — Reilly Smith gets the Golden Knights’ best chance on the power play but the game remains scoreless. Penalty is killed as both teams are back at even strength.

First Period

9:51 — Unfortunately for Vegas, the first period ended. The good news? The Golden Knights continue their power play to start the second period. Vegas outshooting Winnipeg 10-3. Also, Vegas’ twitter account seems very busy.

9:49 — Mathieu Perreault trips up Nate Schmidt. He heads to the penalty box as the crowd chants “shame.” Vegas to the power play.

9:46 — Brayden McNabb introduces himself to Kyle Connor with a thundering hit. He does the same to Scheifele at the end of his shift.

9:45 — Vegas puts two shots on Hellebuyck but the Jets survive the penalty kill.

9:41 — Josh Morrissey heads to the penalty box for Winnipeg. It’s the Golden Knights’ turn on the power play. Morrissey for holding.

9:38 — Wheeler and Byfuglien both miss the net on the PP. Vegas’ PK is making it difficult for the Jets as they smother Scheifele in the zone. Golden Knights kill off Haula’s penalty and Connor Hellebuyck makes the 3 on 2 save.

9:36 — Erik Haula commits an offensive zone penalty. Winnipeg has a chance to get on the board here on the PP. Haula gets two minutes for tripping.

9:33 — At the halfway point of the first and Winnipeg hasn’t tested Fluery much. The Golden Knights are outshooting Winnipeg 6-2 in the quickly developing period.

9:30 — Elvis. Waldo. There is no shortage of characters in the T-Mobile Arena crowd.

9:25 — James Neal heads to the Golden Knights’ locker room.

9:22 — Joel Armia was alone in front of Marc-Andre Fleury. Armia, however, was unable to beat Fleury. Flower makes two big saves to preserve the Vegas lead.

9:17 — It’s the perfect start for Vegas. 35 seconds into the game, Marchessault beats Jacob Trouba to the puck and scores on the Golden Knights’ second shot of the game. Golden Knights lead 1-0.